Blog Posts by TheBlush.com

Yes, the conditions are inhuman: hair and makeup every day, crazy salaries, free Chanel bags. But seriously, maybe we should feel for these models.

By Coco Vomero for TheBlush.com

photo courtesy of modelspaparazzi.com

Whether we like to admit it or not, modeling is a profession. Sure, it's not like yours or mine -- there are no cubicles, 9-to-5 schedule, regular reviews or watercooler gossip. Instead, there's excess money, world travel and freedom. But that's not all there is. Should we be concerned that 14-year-old girls are having nude photos taken of themselves and working 16-hour days without any structure -- including nutrition, parenting and education?

How to survive fashion week

Cue in The Model Alliance (MA) to help us with our decision. The mission of MA is to establish ethical standards to improve working conditions for models in the American fashion industry by educating models on child labor laws and their rights.

A typical model's career starts at age 13

It seems like all of the sudden everyone got bored with regular nail polish. There are fabulous colors coming out all the time, but monotone one-shades are such a thing of the past. Enter: nail art. It's raging on every social network, and we promise that four out of every five girls you'd stop on the street will have some version thereof. Why not join in on the parade and adopt one of these insanely awesome patterns, colors and ideas:

By Liat Kornowski for TheBlush.com

Neon Polka Dots
Twitter @dutch_nail_art
Why it's awesome: Neon is one of summer's hit trends, and polka dots are always a girly way of sprucing up the place. The fact that the dots are different colors is just an added bonus.

What your nail polish says about you

Sunset Ombre
Facebook, Nail Art Mania
Why it's awesome: Try going anywhere right now without running into an ombre hairdo, mani or maxidress print. We dare you. This color combo is a sweet one because orange and pink aren't exactly from the same color family, but they're neighborly

We know, it's morning. Asking you to smile before your a.m. coffee is as preposterous as asking you to do a triple backflip for the gold right now. But you may be surprised -- even a fake smile can go a long way.

By Liat Kornowski for TheBlush.com

Shutterstock

In a "happy" study that's about to appear in the journal Psychological Science, researchers have found that smiling -- any kind of smile -- is a sure way of reducing stress.

Doctoral student Tara Kraft and Sarah Pressman, PhD, of the University of Kansas, grouped 169 university students and gave them facial-expression training, reports PsychCentral.com. You know how there's the genuine, warm smile that wrinkles up the sides of your eyes and then there's the phony, stiff kind that only works the muscles around your mouth? In this particular case, chopsticks were involved to help create both.

Retail therapy: are you shopping for the right reasons?

The students were divided into three groups -- those whose chopstick gave them a neutral

Let's be honest -- lying poolside is what we dream about all winter long. But what fun is it without the perfect shade of polish to top off your cute summer outfit? This season, nail polish brands are taking it to the next level: From shimmers and neons to fun appliques, you'll never run out of ways to impress your girlfriends. These hues are hot, hip and pack a punch.

By Hilary Walke for TheBlush.com

Holiday by Chanel
Chanel.com

A bright coral is exactly what you need to get into the summer spirit. Perfect for any occasion, Holiday is the ideal mix of warmness and wildness.
$26, Chanel.com

Nail art we're obsessed with

Sun-Kissed by China Glaze
Amazon.com

This hot highlighter yellow is the ultimate neon that celebrates summer. Sun-Kissed will stand out in any crowd, so get ready to turn some heads.
$3, Amazon.com

On the Beach by Deborah Lippman
Bloomingdales.com

Want your nails to match the ocean? You got it. On the Beach will have you jumping in the waves in no time -- and don't fret -- your nails won't chip!
$16,